“I’m just not creative!”
I’ve heard that story so many times. It’s a great excuse for not writing or painting or whatever else it is that’s plucking your heart strings, but honestly, it’s just not true. Yes, you mightn’t have all the time you want, or you can’t afford expensive materials, but often it comes down to a single painful truth: Somewhere, some time, maybe when you were around the age of 12, someone made you feel bad about you and your creative work. To protect yourself from that hurtful feeling you just stopped being creative. At least in your mind.
We are all born with a creative spark. It is what allows us to see the world in new and different ways. It is what drives us to express ourselves through art, music, writing, and other forms of self-expression. People who say they aren’t creative often collect art, or love to attend concerts, or run businesses or work in professions that demand creative responses every day.
Signs that you might have shut down your creativity can be that you feel like you’re not good enough, or that your ideas aren’t original. You may be afraid to take risks, or you may simply be too busy with other things. You dare not paint or draw or write or do anything directly that highlights your hidden creativity. After all, there’s that inner 12-year old that must be obeyed.
If some of these words strike a chord with you, I encourage you to reconnect with your creative spirit. It is a journey that is filled with endless possibilities. Don’t go through life locked into a self-image determined by you aged 12. Your self-image has lied to you all these years.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Free yourself from doubt and fear. The first step to unleashing your creativity is to let go of any doubts or fears that you may have. Believe in yourself and your ability to create something beautiful.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. The best way to learn and grow as a creative person is to experiment. Try new things, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
- Find your inspiration. What inspires you? What makes you feel creative? Once you know what inspires you, you can start to tap into your creative flow.
- Set aside time for creativity. Just like any other skill, creativity takes practice. Make sure to set aside some time each day to be creative.
I believe that everyone has the potential to be creative. It is simply a matter of finding your own unique voice and expression. Along with this comes feelings of improved self-confidence and self-worth. Finding your adult self-image is worth so much more that the image set in place by your 10-12-year old self. You are so much more than that.
Here are some additional tips to help you welcome back your creative spirit:
- Work with a coach. Ideally, your coach can help guide you on the journey, and is confident in dealing with your inner 12-year old.
- Surround yourself with creative people. Being around other creative people can help you to feel more inspired and motivated.
- Take a class or workshop. This is a great way to learn new techniques and get feedback on your work.
- Join a creative community. There are many online and offline communities where you can connect with other creative people.
- Don’t give up. Creativity is a journey, not a destination. There will be times when you feel frustrated or discouraged, but don’t give up. Keep creating, and eventually you will find your way.
I hope these tips help you to rediscover your creative spirit. Remember, everyone is creative in their own way. Don’t be afraid to let your unique voice be heard.
Photo by Dragos Gontariu on Unsplash